The Completed Heroic Task

This Roman wall painting

from the time of Vespasian

depicts Theseus in all his

heroic glory. The Minotaur

lies defeated at the entrance

of the labyrinth, while the

youths of Athens thank and

adore Theseus. Notice how

Theseus towers above both

the youths and adults of

the picture because of his

high and noble birth.

(Naples National Archaeo-

logical Museum)